Active Announced in the King's Speech on 13 May 2026. 50 events
Threads / Highways (Financing) Bill / Timeline
Lifecycle stage Implementation
57 days in stage

Highways (Financing) Bill

The King's Speech 2026 bill to enable major road schemes, including the Lower Thames Crossing, to be financed and built at pace.

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2026

18 events
13 May 2026 | Policy paper British Transport Police Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee Department for Transport Network Rail Office of Rail and Road Regulatory Policy Committee Transport Committee Transport Focus Context · primary home: Tackling State Threats Bill linked direct

The King's Speech 2026 – Background Briefing Notes (PDF)

Why linked: King's Speech 2026 Background Briefing Notes explicitly names the Highways (Financing) Bill as a legislative programme item. This is the authoritative source document for the bill's introduction.

The full PDF of the King's Speech 2026 background briefing notes from the Prime Minister's Office, containing dedicated section on the Railways and Passenger Benefits Bill (p.75) setting out the rationale for establishing Great British Railways.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
13 May 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked commitment

King's Speech announces Highways (Financing) Bill

Why linked: The King's Speech 2026 and official briefing notes announce the Highways (Financing) Bill as part of the government's legislative programme.

The King's Speech 2026 bill to enable major road schemes, including the Lower Thames Crossing, to be financed and built at pace.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ The King's Speech 2026: background briefing not… (129pp)
1 May 2026 | Other Department for Transport linked direct

Lower Thames Crossing SRO appointment letter

Why linked: Lower Thames Crossing SRO appointment letter (May 2026) — formal governance reset for the named first RAB scheme, dated immediately before the King's Speech.

Lower Thames Crossing SRO appointment letter (May 2026) — formal governance reset for the named first RAB scheme, dated immediately before the King's Speech.

In response to: DfT major projects: appointment letters for Senior Responsible Owners (SROs)

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether a new Accounting Officer Assessment for the Lower Thames Crossing will be published.

Why linked: Written question asking whether a new Accounting Officer Assessment for Lower Thames Crossing will be published. Parliamentary scrutiny of financing governance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether a new Accounting Officer Assessment for the Lower Thames Crossing will be published.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dismissal of a non-executive director of the Department for Transport Operator Limited, Chris Gibb, following reported criticism of revised plans for HS2; and what impact they expect th

Why linked: Written question regarding Department for Transport Operator Limited; potentially relevant to governance and delivery of transport infrastructure projects

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dismissal of a non-executive director of the Department for Transport Operator Limited, Chris Gibb, following reported criticism of revised plans for HS2; and what impact they expect th

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 908536 on Road Works: Compensation, if her Department plans to approve further lane rental schemes in 2026.

Why linked: Parliamentary PQ to Transport Secretary on lane compensation and road works. Relates to highways delivery and infrastructure authority powers, though not specifically Lower Thames Crossing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 908536 on Road Works: Compensation, if her Department plans to approve further lane rental schemes in 2026.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of ageing water infrastructure on road surfaces.

Why linked: Written question about potential impact of ageing water infrastructure on road surfaces; tangentially relevant to highway infrastructure maintenance considerations

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of ageing water infrastructure on road surfaces.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits to the effectiveness of highway maintenance of mapping underground water infrastructure.

Why linked: Written question about mapping underground water infrastructure to improve highway maintenance effectiveness; potentially relevant to highway maintenance and asset management

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits to the effectiveness of highway maintenance of mapping underground water infrastructure.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to produce a long-term investment plan, alongside any relevant authorities, to ensure the cost-effective and safe maintenance of vital transport infrastructure such as bridges.

Why linked: Written question asking about long-term investment plan for highway maintenance and cost-effective safe maintenance; directly relevant to roads investment strategy and financing

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to produce a long-term investment plan, alongside any relevant authorities, to ensure the cost-effective and safe maintenance of vital transport infrastructure such as bridges.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, where revenues raised from the Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy have been used in new road infrastructure and transport planning.

Why linked: PQ on Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy allocation to new road infrastructure. Directly relevant to identifying revenue streams and financing mechanisms for highway schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, where revenues raised from the Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy have been used in new road infrastructure and transport planning.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which transport and infrastructure schemes received funds directly from the revenues raised by the Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy in 2019, 2022 and 2024.

Why linked: Written question specifically about Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy revenues and their allocation to transport and infrastructure schemes; directly relevant to highways financing mechanisms

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which transport and infrastructure schemes received funds directly from the revenues raised by the Heavy Goods Vehicle Road User Levy in 2019, 2022 and 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport evidence

Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031

Why linked: Filled the "Government spending reviews or fiscal frameworks that allocate capital to highways" gap via web research

Our 5 year strategy for investment in and management of the strategic road network from April 2026 to March 2031.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 (92pp)
+6 more
↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 introduction ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 interactive… ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 BSL summary ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 (print vers… (88pp) ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 (print cove… (2pp) ↓ Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2026 to 2031 (large prin… (140pp)
20 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how long before the commencement of publicly funded works on the Lower Thames Crossing will the Full Business Case be published.

Why linked: Written question on Full Business Case publication timing for Lower Thames Crossing. Parliamentary scrutiny of project financing and delivery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how long before the commencement of publicly funded works on the Lower Thames Crossing will the Full Business Case be published.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Mar 2026 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2026

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2026. Potential procedural or streamlining measure affecting development consent processes.

This Order amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (“the GPDO”). The GPDO grants planning permission for certain classes of development without the requirement for a planning application to be made under Part 3 of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she expects the third Road Investment Strategy period to commence in April 2026.

Why linked: PQ to Transport Secretary on Road Investment Strategy period 3 commencing April 2026. Directly relevant to long-term highways financing framework that the Bill will operate within.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she expects the third Road Investment Strategy period to commence in April 2026.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2026 | Other Department for Transport linked direct

Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) accounting officer assessment summary (February 2026)

Why linked: Lower Thames Crossing accounting officer assessment (February 2026). Key financial and governance assessment document directly relevant to financing and project viability.

Lower Thames Crossing accounting officer assessment (February 2026). Key financial and governance assessment document directly relevant to financing and project viability.

In response to: Department for Transport’s accounting officer assessment summaries for the Government Maj…

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2026 | Other Department for Transport linked direct

Lower Thames Crossing: accounting officer assessment (December 2022)

Why linked: Lower Thames Crossing accounting officer assessment (December 2022). Earlier financial assessment relevant to understanding financing mechanisms and project development.

Lower Thames Crossing accounting officer assessment (December 2022). Earlier financial assessment relevant to understanding financing mechanisms and project development.

In response to: Department for Transport’s accounting officer assessment summaries for the Government Maj…

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

22 events
10 Dec 2025 | Ministerial letter Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked direct

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 — Will write letters: Letter from Baroness Taylor to Baroness Mcintosh regarding the timescale for implementing the new hazard classification for reservoir safety.

Why linked: Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 correspondence; potentially relevant to implementation of planning streamlining mechanisms for major projects

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Letter from Baroness Taylor to Baroness Mcintos…
5 Nov 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025

Why linked: Amendment Order to the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order 2025. Updates to the primary statutory mechanism for the flagship project.

This Order amends the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/462) (“the 2025 Order”), a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008 (“the Act”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Nov 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025

Why linked: Second Amendment Order to the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order 2025. Further updates to the statutory delivery framework.

This Order amends the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/462) (“the 2025 Order”), a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008 (“the Act”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Sep 2025 | Guidance Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked direct

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Why linked: Government explainer for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the parallel reform vehicle into which the Highways (Financing) Bill's delivery-acceleration logic dovetails.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is the next step to fix the foundations of our economy and rebuild Britain. This page sets out key information on the Bill.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Guide to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
+11 more
↓ Factsheet: Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Compulsory pur… ↓ Factsheet: Nature Restoration Fund ↓ Factsheet: Critical infrastructure reforms ↓ Factsheet: Planning committees ↓ Factsheet: Local fee setting ↓ Factsheet: Bill discounts for transmission network infrastr… ↓ Factsheet: Strategic planning ↓ European Convention on Human Rights Memorandum ↓ Nature Restoration Fund Government Amendments: Letter from … (1pp) ↓ Nature Restoration Fund Government Amendments: Letter from … (2pp) ↓ Summary: Planning and Infrastructure Bill, Government Amend…
11 Sep 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025

Why linked: Correction Order to the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order 2025. Maintains accuracy of the statutory instrument establishing delivery powers.

This Order corrects errors and omissions in the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/462), a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008, following two requests under paragraph 1(6)(a) of Schedule 4 to that Act.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Jun 2025 | Debate linked direct

Department for Transport

Why linked: Transport Committee oral evidence session covering DfT work including major projects — the natural pre-legislative scrutiny forum for the Bill.

[Relevant d ocuments: Oral evidence taken before the Transport Committee on 23 April, on Work of the Secretary of State for Transport, HC 346 ; Written evidence to the Transport Committee, on Department for Transport Main Estimates Memorandum 2025 - …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Download transcript (text)
9 Jun 2025 | Committee sitting Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked direct

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 — Will write letters: Letter from Matthew Pennycook MP to members of the Bill Committee regarding points raised during the public bill committee debates: transport infrastructure, planning, nature and the Nature Restoration Fund, and compulsory purchase orders.

Why linked: Committee correspondence on Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025; relevant to legislative scrutiny of acceleration and delivery mechanisms

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Letter from Matthew Pennycook MP to members of …
21 May 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development) (Urgent Applications) (Procedure) (England) Order 2025

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (Crown Development) (Urgent Applications) (Procedure) Order 2025. Procedural instrument supporting accelerated planning/environmental assessment for designated projects, within scope of legal mechanisms.

Sections 293B and 293C of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8) (as inserted by section 109 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55)) provide a route for applications for planning permission for Crown development in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
21 May 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development) (Urgent Applications) (Procedure) (England) Order 2025

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (Crown Development) (Urgent Applications) (Procedure) Order 2025 (duplicate reference). Procedural streamlining for crown development applications relevant to project acceleration.

Sections 293B and 293C of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8) (as inserted by section 109 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55)) provide a route for applications for planning permission for Crown development in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
7 Apr 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025

Why linked: The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 is the statutory instrument authorizing the flagship project named in the thread scope. Direct legal mechanism for the crossing.

This Order authorises National Highways to undertake the works to construct the Lower Thames Crossing, near Thurrock and Gravesend under the River Thames and carry out all associated works.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
3 Apr 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Procedure and Written Representations) Order 2025

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Procedure and Written Representations) Order 2025. Procedural framework supporting accelerated delivery mechanisms for designated infrastructure.

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Procedure and Written Representations) Order 2025 (“the Order”) sets out the procedure to be followed where a Crown development application for planning permission or approval of reserved matters or a connected listed …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
3 Apr 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Hearings and Inquiries) Rules 2025

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Hearings and Inquiries) Rules 2025. Procedural rules enabling streamlined environmental and planning assessment for crown development.

These rules govern the procedure for hearings and inquiries held before the determination of a Crown development application, that is, an application which has been made in accordance with sections 293D and 293E of the Town and Country Planning Act …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
3 Apr 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Hearings and Inquiries) Rules 2025

Why linked: Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Hearings and Inquiries) Rules 2025 (duplicate reference). Procedural acceleration measures within scope.

These rules govern the procedure for hearings and inquiries held before the determination of a Crown development application, that is, an application which has been made in accordance with sections 293D and 293E of the Town and Country Planning Act …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
31 Mar 2025 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for the introduction of legislation to enable the Revenue Certainty Mechanism.

Why linked: PQ on timetable for legislation enabling the Revenue Certainty Mechanism (March 2025) — foreshadows the RAB-style revenue-certainty approach taken by the Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for the introduction of legislation to enable the Revenue Certainty Mechanism.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2022

2 events
31 Oct 2022 | Other Department for Transport evidence

Lower Thames Crossing – National Infrastructure Planning Project Page (TR010032)

Why linked: Filled the "Lower Thames Crossing statutory consultation and environmental impact assessments" gap via web research

The Planning Inspectorate's official project page for the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order (TR010032), hosting all statutory consultation materials, the Environmental Statement (Application Document 6.1, October 2022), and the full DCO application submitted by National Highways. The DCO was …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

5 events
2 Jun 2021 | Announcement Highways England linked direct

Largest community woodland in the East to be created in Essex alongside Lower Thames Crossing route

Why linked: DfT announcement on environmental/mitigation measures alongside Lower Thames Crossing route. Relevant to planning/environmental assessment acceleration mechanisms.

Highways England has today (Wednesday 2 June) announced a new woodland the size of 135 football pitches will be planted in partnership with Forestry England, alongside the route of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Apr 2021 | Announcement Highways England linked direct

Highways England seeks partners to build £1.9 billion Lower Thames Crossing roads

Why linked: DfT news announcement on Highways England tendering £1.9 billion contracts for Lower Thames Crossing construction. Demonstrates project delivery acceleration and procurement approach.

Highways England is inviting tenders on two roads contracts worth a combined £1.9 billion to build routes north and south of the Thames on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing project.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
3 Feb 2021 | Announcement Highways England linked direct

Jacobs awarded £162.5m Lower Thames Crossing contract

Why linked: DfT news announcement of £162.5m Jacobs Integration Partner contract for Lower Thames Crossing. Evidence of delivery mechanisms and project governance.

Highways England has awarded Jacobs the £162.5m Integration Partner contract which will see the company act as a catalyst for collaboration between Highways England and the Lower Thames Crossing’s three main works contracts responsible for delivering the most ambitious road …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2020

2 events
29 Jan 2020 | Announcement Highways England linked direct

Next phase of Lower Thames Crossing consultation begins

Why linked: DfT announcement on consultation phase of Lower Thames Crossing. Shows statutory consultation process that the Bill may affect.

New images showing plans for Britain’s longest road tunnel connecting Kent, Essex and Thurrock have been released as the project begins its next phase of public consultation.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2017

1 event
13 Apr 2017 | Consultation outcome Highways England linked direct

Lower Thames Crossing: route options

Why linked: DfT consultation outcome on Lower Thames Crossing route options (2017). Historical/foundational material showing precursor to the Bill.

Proposals for a new road crossing across the Thames connecting Kent and Essex.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK